Vocal music, much like poetry, follows a set structure, and the components of a song are arranged into its larger musical form. One of these sections of a song is known as the refrain, which is repeated throughout a song. The term “refrain” is often used synonymously with the word “chorus” -- but they have slightly different meanings.

Song Form

Many songs include two essential structures -- the verse and the refrain, most often called the chorus. The form follows a pattern of verse-chorus-verse-chorus, or ABAB form. The refrain is unchanging, both in melody and words. According to Mid-South Community College, the repetition of the refrain gives listeners a sense of stability and comfort in recognizing something they have heard before. The repeated lines "Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling, Clementine. You are lost and gone forever. Dreadful sorry, Clementine" make up the refrain, sung between each verse, of the popular folk tune "Clementine."

Chorus vs. Refrain

While most people will use the words chorus and refrain interchangeably, the terms can have slightly different connotations. According to Sheila Davis, author of “The Craft of Lyric Writing,” refrain refers to the end phrase of the chorus. It is also common for the chorus of a song to be sung by many people, while a refrain is typically sung by a soloist.

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About the Author

Cara Batema is a musician, teacher and writer who specializes in early childhood, special needs and psychology. Since 2010, Batema has been an active writer in the fields of education, parenting, science and health. She holds a bachelor's degree in music therapy and creative writing.